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Artisans
crafts
D.O.T
Design
Donna Karan
H. Mystique
Haiti
Haitian Blogger
Lilydeziles
Organization and Training
Parsons School of Design
Paula Coles
Shala Monroque
The New School
Donna Karan, founder of The Urban Zen Foundation, along with Haitian
designer Paula Coles, and the New School’s Parsons School of Design, were in Haiti for the launch of The DOT center (Design, Organization and Training), a new
artisan vocational training center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“This has been my dream ever since I first went
to Haiti four years ago. Just as Haitian artisans have inspired me, I hope they
are inspired and empowered as this journey begins.”Donna Karan
The DOT center will be a hub for the Haitian artisan community,
providing resources and materials.
The concept will be similar
to a co-op system, where becoming a member, artisans will have access to hands-on training by designers and educators, modern machinery
and tools, network
of contacts and buyers, as well as access to an interest
free loan developed by the Clinton Foundation to provide artisans with start up
capital for orders.
Under the tutelage of designers and educators,
including Karan and Parsons faculty members, artisans will receive hands-on
instruction in material fabrication, including horn, metal, textile, ceramics,
natural dying, beading, leather and recycled materials, as well as instruction
in the use of new tools and materials to complete their designs.
Local designers, artists, and artisans were invited to the program launch to showcase their works for the review of Karan and her team, and to learn more about the program.
Recipients of the Parsons Design Fellowship program grant, will remain in Haiti, and have the opportunity to work at the DOT center for six
to eight weeks. The students will propose and develop product
explorations for design development and production, research local practices
and local materials and expanding the range of locally produced products. They will also develop and lead workshops for local artisans in the areas of
jewelry, textile development, leather, pottery, hand dying, printing and
beading.
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By Mystique
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